Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color

 Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color

Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color

Thank you Monica for this great easy to do DIY idea, in her words here is how Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color in a DIY knock off inspired look.

I love wandering in Restoration Hardware oohing and awwing over all the gorgeous pieces of furniture and home decor.  The only problem is the PRICE!!!  I would feel guilty spending $145 on a vase when the same effect could be quickly created with a little creativity.  With American Paint Company’s Mica Powder I knew this look could be created really easily.

Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color

Monica’s inspiration for this project.

Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color

I found a vase from a flower arrangement from long ago (hint…honey it is time to send flowers!)
Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
Supply list:
Smoke Signal
-fine bristled paint brush
-Vinegar
-Paper towels
-American Paint Company Top Coat
Mica Powder
First I prepped my piece by wiping it down with plain white vinegar.  Normally I would use APC surface cleaner, but on glass or metal, vinegar etches the surface.  This allows the paint to adhere to the surface easily.Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
Then paint your first layer of paint.  Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
To make sure that no place is left unpainted, the vase is flipped upside down.   Once this has completely dried another layer of paint is applied.  The second layer of paint is watered down about 50% to allow for a smooth even finish.
 Tip–*This trick works really well when painting chairs or small tables.
Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
While waiting for the paint to dry, prepare the Mica powder.  Mica is pretty amazing stuff!  You can add this to any of the APC products to enhance the already beautiful colors.  I decided to go with the Pewter Mica to replicate the inspiration piece from Restoration Hardware.Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
I poured a small amount of Top Coat into a cup and added about a ¼ tsp of Mica to the mixture.  Stir it up!  A little Mica goes a long way.Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
This finish is so easy to use!  Use the same type of brush that was used for painting and evenly apply the Top Coat/ Mica mixture to the entire piece.Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
Allow to dry for a few hours and you have a sweet knock off version of Restoration Hardware goodness!
Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
I can’t decide how to use this vase now….Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
Flowers or for my extensive marker collection?
Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
What do you think? After I finished the vase I had some of the Mica mixture left over.  Never being one to waste anything, I had to find something else to embellish. I painted these candlesticks with Wild Horses and thought that they could use a little bling as well.
Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color
It took me about 30 seconds to embellish these and I love the effect!
Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color

Thank you Monica!

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Comments

  1. Love the way the candle sticks came out. Can this technique be use for for glass, plastic or wood? Please let me know. Thank you,

  2. Love this look! 🙂

  3. Very awesome indeed.

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